A ROAD has been closed immediately after a bridge has been deemed "unsafe".

Highways England has closed Woodham Road through Stow Maries after Wellinditch Bridge was branded an "unsafe structure".

A spokesman for South Woodham Ferrers Parish Council, said: "The closure will be effective between the junction of Crows Lane and Lower Burnham Road. We have been informed the closure is expected to be in place for approximately eight weeks.

"These works are being arranged and completed by Highways England who own the structure, and not by Essex Highways.

"Please be assured that we will provide further information on behalf of Highways England to the parish and update the community with details about the works and any associated traffic management as the works develop."